Sweet Seven

Happy, happy birthday to my sweet seven year old! Gabriel is funny, energetic, kind, bright-eyed, fiercely loyal, a good friend, loving, and inquisitive. Every year that we circle around the sun I get to know my kids more and more, and see their character develop. We started as strangers, essentially, and with each season and each year we have the privilege to learn who, see a glimpse of even, they are to become. This past year has been a particularly sweet year for me to deepen my understanding of Gabriel. We have finally exited the baby-toddler-exhausting stage of parenting with Judah closing in on five, which opens up some space to really listen to and interact with the boys. 

Even so, a lot of what I love about Gabriel hasn't changed since he was a baby and a toddler. I love his smile and how his whole face lights up when he smiles. His eyes glisten, and he throws his head back as his whole body embodies the essence of happy. He is always curious and inquisitive, and often will embark on an exhaustive list of questions for even the most mundane topic, making sure to cover every inch of ground. In this way he is thorough, and thoughtful, contemplative, and genuine. 

A more recent character trait that I love about Gabriel, as he has gotten older and moved on from parallel play, is what a good friend he is. He loves his friendships deeply and is quick to stick up for a friend or cheer someone up who is sad. It's apparent that he cares for his friends on a deeper level too, he often asks about their beliefs or customs. He can also be very attentive to someone in need (sometimes even Judah, wink). On that note, he is a really great big brother. He and Judah fight like brothers but love each other deeply. 

I also love how energetic and athletic Gabriel is. His first grade classmates were quick to "label" him as the fast one. Gabriel is well known on the recess yard and spends, no doubt, 100% of the recess time running. He loves soccer and baseball, and although he hasn't been able to play basketball he loves going to games and watching it. He also really loves riding his scooter and (now) new bike.

Happy birthday to the beautiful boy that made me a mom, seven (!) years ago. I'm looking forward to our next trip around the sun together.